The Royal Ballet’s Nutcracker is still a cracker after 30 years

The Royal Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker is heading towards its 30th anniversary but still manages to seem magical.

Peter Wright’s production has been tweaked over the years and now there’s a surprisingly coherent storyline running through, with Clara’s adventures presented as an attempt by toymaker/magician Herr Drosselmeyer to save his nephew.

Gary Avis brings authority and the requisite touch of melancholy to the role of Drosselmeyer, acting as a lurking ringmaster, conducting events: he also proves a dab hand at magic tricks during the opening Christmas party at Clara’s house.

Francesca Hayward, promoted only this year from the corps and drafted in for an injured Emma Maguire, is a tiny Clara with a featherlight delicacy and an affecting musicality.

Alexander Campbell is a compact but marvellously springy Hans-Peter, who more than holds his own when he joins in with the Russian dance in Act Two.

Laura Morera’s Sugar Plum Fairy has warm intelligence – she also showed the steel beneath the spun sugar you need to be a principal when she recovered masterfully from a bad tumble during her big pas de deux.

Elsewhere, there are niggles: the corps could do with knocking into a bit of shape; the party scene at times feels
bewilderingly busy; the battle with the Mouse King is underpowered; and lovely Yuhui Choe’s Rose Fairy is rather ill-served by her escorts. But overall, this Nutcracker maintains its lustre.